S-Trip! is designed specifically for high school students, and includes non-stop action day and night. With 24/7 staff, a full safety system, and hundreds of people behind the scenes creating what can only be described as the trip of a lifetime.

2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Awarded by Ernst & Young

The 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Awarded by Ernst & Young was handed out yesterday, and S-Trip! leadership including Alex Handa, Justin VanCamp, and Eugene Winer were named finalists!

“This year’s finalists prove that the future of entrepreneurship in our country is brighter than ever,” says Colleen McMorrow, EY’s National and Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year program director. “After 21 years of Entrepreneur Of The Year in Canada, we’re still amazed at how these leaders continue to defy the odds and the impossible. They are pushing their boundaries and propelling our country forward.”

That’s something that appears in EY research time and time again. In a new survey, EY found that Canada’s 2013 program finalists recorded average revenue growth of 37% year over year in 2012. That’s above the global average of 29% for developed countries. Seventy-four percent also have an international footprint — compared to 41% in Australia.

“Canadian entrepreneurs are reaching new heights every day,” says McMorrow. “Not only are our finalists behind incredible economic growth here at home and abroad, they’re also at the helm of job creation. Our survey found that last year’s finalists created jobs at an average pace of 25% in 2012.”

High-growth entrepreneurs create new markets and industries, contributing job growth in the economy. This year’s 2014 Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists in Ontario represent close to 8,000 jobs in Canada. Together with all other finalists coast to coast, that number grows to 37,000.

“We’re proud to celebrate the achievements of Canada’s vibrant entrepreneurs and encourage others to follow in their footsteps,” says McMorrow. “Recognizing these visionary men and women is just one of the many ways we can work together to strengthen Canada’s entrepreneurial environment.”

It was a fantastic experience and great honour being recognized for the entrepreneurial efforts made by the founders of S-Trip!.